Choosing where to purchase a cake, let alone how to choose a cake design can be quite stressful, especially if you are short on knowledge in this area. Fear not though, I’m here to give you a few tips of how to choose a cake designer and to let you in on all the things you should know about cakes.

It’s always best to view previous work of the cake designer. Decorated cakes are like art, there are no two pieces of work that are the same and every cake designer has their own style. So, be sure to view their past or previous cakes and this should help you decide on the style of cake you want.

Most cake designers these days offer a designing service for their clients. This is the best way to get your money’s worth and get a cake that has been specially designed for you and your wedding. Some things that could help inspire the design would be a few elements of your wedding dress, your decorations, colour theme or something that represents you, the couple. Don’t be too afraid to try different designs or incorporate things onto the cake. Sketches will be drawn to give you an idea of what the finished product will look like. Once the design is finalized, you will be sent a final sketch and you should also be invited to have a tasting.

Set a realistic budget for your cake. Most people do not understand why cakes cost so much and therefore, do not know how to set a budget for their cake. Cake decorating involves intensive labour and also high labour hours. A simple wedding cake takes a minimum of 6 hours to decorate and this does not include the amount of hours spent in baking, designing and consulting with the client. The cost will depend on the design and a simple looking design can sometimes be more labour intensive so don’t make assumptions.

You should also consider the amount of servings you require for your wedding as this will affect the size and therefore the price. If you are serving your cake as dessert, then the portion sizes will be bigger and you will need a bigger cake. When speaking to your cake designer, do not be afraid to let them know your budget. If you are lucky enough to have a high budget for your cake this will allow your cake designer more room for creativity in designing your cake for you. If you are really strict on budget, let them know as well. They will let you know if your budget is achievable or not and may be able to give you other suggestions to help you along the way.

Before you meet with your cake designer do your research on what you like and don’t like about cakes. Do you like round or square cakes? Do you like them tall or wide? Bring a few pictures of cakes you like and don’t like to your meeting to give your designer an idea of your style. You can also bring inspiration pictures, like birds, colours, dresses, invites or any other ideas as this will help communicate your theme. Always let your designer know what you think and what you want so they know that they are on the right track. Stick with a few ideas instead of many because it is very easy to get side tracked and this may confuse the process.

I hope these tips will help with your planning process and potentially help reduce wedding workload as well!

Photography and cakes via My Sweethearts Bakery

Ms Gingham says: I have such trouble with these posts. Inevitably I finish editing and feel an overwhelming sugar craving … maybe just one biscuit …

About Lilia Yap: Lilia feels strongly about her passion for creating edible art and has decided that being a cake artist is the fulfillment of a dream. She also teaches sugar art at Couture Cake Classes.